THE GREATEST SINCE LEANDER.
From the Special Article (2000 superlatives) by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE.
Holbein, Montagu.—In 1902 Montagu Holbein inaugurated the Twentieth Century with a feat of such sublime and unsubmergible endurance as won for him an aureole of imperishable lustre. Battling the billows with an indomitable dexterity more like that of an inspired cachalot than a finless mortal, this intrepid and miraculous hero only consented to be withdrawn from the waves when reduced to the verge of irremediable collapse. Greater than Leander by virtue of the incomparably more arduous nature of his exploit, greater than Matthew Webb by reason of his ineffably nobler and more euphonious name, Montagu Holbein has established a title to undying remembrance that exalts him to the level of transcendental achievement hitherto attained by Shakespeare, Hugo, and Dickens alone....
[The New Volumes also contain Articles on WATTS-DUNTON, BECKWITH, and HOW TO FLOAT A COMPANY.]
Humbert, Madame. See EXTRADITION.
SHAKESPEAREAN LITERATURE.
From the Special Article (14 pages) by Mrs. WELLS GALLUP:
Lee, Sidney.—... Mr. Lee is a cipher....
[The New Volumes also contain an Article on BACON, by Father Ignatius.]
POPES ON THE STAGE.
From the Special Article by Mr. BEERBOHM TREE.
Leo XXXIII.—... Conspicuous in many ways as was this venerable pontiff, his true vocation came to him, as it often does, late in life. Not until he was in his tenth decade was his unparalleled suitability for stage representation brought to light. This piece of good fortune synchronised with the discovery by the Italian investigator and dramatist of genius, Mr. Hall Caine, that His Holiness had a liaison in early youth with Mrs. Leo Hunter, the fruit of which was the Honourable Bosseye, the inspired Demagogue.
[The New Volumes also contain Articles on TASTE, TACT, and THE NEW ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL.]